Customized 3D-printed masks being developed

Waterloo Engineering researchers are working on personalized 3D-printed mask components for front line health-care providers as well as patients who regularly visit medical facilities for treatments such as dialysis,  chemotherapy and radiation.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, members of the Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing (MSAM) Laboratory have produced several prototypes based on approved design guidelines from Health Canada and the National Institutes for Health.

Lab members explored the idea of using reusable 3D-produced materials for the mask frame that holds a disposable filter sheet inside of it.

Unlike most conventional masks currently available, engineering researchers are customizing masks by adjusting shapes and sizes for children and adults of all ages, including seniors, whose facial tissue and structure greatly vary. Different ethnicities with unique bone structures are also being taken into consideration. [full story]